Humane Society International is responding to animal-related needs in Japan in the wake of the March 11 Tohoku earthquake. HSI will provide an initial relief package of $170,000 that includes direct grants, purchase and shipment of emergency supplies, and planning and implementation of temporary sheltering facilities in the disaster zone.

Since March 12, the HSI team has been communicating and working with Japanese animal welfare groups on the ground, and with other international animal welfare organizations, such as World Vets helping to determine and meet the most urgent and immediate needs. The most requested assistance by the network of local groups in Japan are dog kennels, animal bowls and collars and food supplies for displaced, surrendered and abandoned animals, as well as guidance on setting up emergency sheltering operations.

HSI’s Disaster Response Team members, who were providing veterinary training at Cebu in the Philippines on March 11, have purchased $120,000 of essential supplies from the Philippines which Philippine Air has generously offered to ship for free to Japan.

In addition, HSI is sending $50,000 to one of the lead organizations, Japan Animal Welfare Society, in order for them to procure what supplies they can in Japan for their sheltering operations and to assist in the support of individual veterinarians who were located in the disaster area and who have been helping with pet rescue and subsequent care.

HSI is actively soliciting support for its Japan effort on its website, hsi.org. HSI’s efforts in Japan are also being funded through the Animal Rescue Site, which is raising money to help animals impacted by the disaster in Japan. Funds are distributed through a partnership with GreaterGood.org to responding charities.

HSI will continue talking with local organizations about increasing emergency sheltering capacity and looking at opportunities to support the animal rescue and care provided by individual veterinary hospitals.

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Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations — backed by 11 million people. For nearly 20 years, HSI has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — On the Web at hsi.org.

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